KEY POINTS
- Libya’s largest refinery in Zawiya suspended operations after armed clashes and shelling near the facility.
- Authorities launched a security crackdown targeting criminal gangs involved in trafficking, kidnapping, and violent crimes.
- Officials said fuel supplies remain stable despite the shutdown of the 120,000-barrel-per-day refinery.
Libya’s largest operational oil refinery in Zawiya has suspended operations following intense clashes between armed groups near the facility.
The National Oil Corporation (NOC) and the Zawiya Refining Company confirmed that refinery activities were halted as a precautionary measure after explosions and heavy gunfire rocked the area. Workers were evacuated from both the refinery and the nearby oil port, while emergency sirens were activated across the complex.
According to officials, several heavy weapon projectiles landed inside the refinery premises during the fighting, although no major structural damage was immediately reported.
Authorities Launch Security Operation Against Criminal Groups
Authorities in Zawiya, located about 40 kilometres west of Tripoli, said they had begun a large-scale security operation targeting armed criminal networks accused of kidnapping, murder, drug trafficking, arms smuggling, human trafficking, and illegal migration.
The fighting reportedly intensified after security forces moved against the armed groups, leading to heavy exchanges of gunfire and explosions across the city.
Videos verified by media outlets showed damaged vehicles and facilities inside the refinery, while residents reported hearing continuous shelling and sirens.
Despite the suspension of refinery operations, Libya’s National Oil Corporation stated that fuel supplies across the country would continue normally and assured the public that all workers were safe.
The Zawiya refinery, which processes about 120,000 barrels of oil daily, is linked to the Sharara oilfield — one of Libya’s largest oil-producing sites with a capacity of 300,000 barrels per day.
The refinery company appealed to all armed factions to immediately cease fire and urged Libyan authorities to protect vital oil infrastructure and civilian lives.
